Williams hopes for a lucky break

By
AIDAN FAWKES

OLD Collegians full-back Scott Williams could make his long-awaited return to senior football when the Warriors take on Allansford on Saturday.

OLD Collegians full-back Scott Williams could make his long-awaited return to senior football when the Warriors take on Allansford on Saturday.

Old Collegians’ Scott Williams is hoping for better luck this Saturday if he’s selected in the side to play Allansford — three months after fracturing his fibula against the Cats.
140412LP71 Picture: LEANNE PICKETT

Williams made a successful comeback from a fractured fibula in a Warrnambool and District league reserves win against Nirranda on Saturday.

The experienced key defender suffered the injury in round three on April 12, coincidentally against Allansford, and only resumed running about a month ago.

The Warriors have risen into finals contention without him but his return — when it happens — will add defensive strength in the run home.

Coach Daryl Beechey said Williams was in contention to take on the Cats, but could not guarantee his selection.

“He got through unscathed, all looks good. He’ll be eligible to put his hand up for selection. If he gets picked or not, we’ll have to wait and see,” he said.

He’s missed over three months of football, you can’t pick up where you left off when you miss that long.”

Beechey said Williams was “pretty solid” on the weekend. He rotated from full-back to centre half-back against the Blues to build fitness.

“That’s the thing about Scotty, you know what you’re going to get,” he said.

“He’ll always put his body on the line, gives you 100 per cent whether he’s playing twos or seniors.

“It’s a matter of making sure his skills and fitness are up to scratch, whether he’s ready or not.”

Old Collegians are fifth on the WDFNL ladder with four matches remaining but have the toughest run home of any finals-bound side.

Matches against East Warrnambool, Panmure and Merrivale follow their clash against the Cats, with three wins the minimum requirement to rise to third.

Beechey said he would resist the temptation to rest players in the coming weeks despite the prospects of snatching a double chance for finals unlikely.

“Whether we’re pushing for top three or not we’ll play the way we want and still work on structures and set ups and play a good brand of footy,” he said.

“If that’s good enough to get us to third, so be it. If they’re fit, they’ll be playing.”